Welcome to the dog days of summer — so named for gloriously sunny days and the ascension of the Dog Star in the night sky. Summer is an epic time to explore Oregon with your best four-legged friend. Don’t miss these great spots to roam, fetch, sit and stay this summer.

Bark ParksOregon’s dog parks go above and beyond your average fenced fetch patch. Bob Wenger Memorial Spray Park at Pine Nursery Park in Bend has a splash pad with fire hydrant-shaped water fountains and will eventually comprise 14 acres of off-leash happiness. In Troutdale, the Sandy River Delta offers 1,400 off-leash acres of wooded trails, open meadows and access to the Sandy and Columbia rivers. Plum Hill Vineyards in Gaston is often called most dog-friendly winery in Oregon. Pooches can chill on the patio or run off their energy in the adjacent dog run (with a genuine fire hydrant). On August 8, you and your dog can visit as part of Canines Uncorked, a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society.

Dining with DogsRelax on the patio with your pup at Rogue AlesPublic House in Newport. While you peruse the beer menu, your pal can check out the canine fare. You might guess that Tin Shed in Portland loves dogs just from looking at their brunch menu (which includes dishes called the Fetch, Roll Over, Good Dog and the Stay). The beloved Alberta Street café also welcomes dogs on the outside eating area and has a pooch-specific menu. Curl up with your pup on the cozy patio at McMenamin’s at Old St. Francis in Bend. There’s no dog menu, but they’re happy to oblige if you want to order a steak for your dog like a recent guest did.

Hike and SwimThe 7-mile Ramona Falls Trail in the Mt. Hood Wilderness follows the Wild and Scenic Sandy River. The cascading waterfall offers a cooling spray for hot paws. Dillon Falls near Bend on the Deschutes River is a popular spot for river fetch. (Dogs are allowed off leash while in the water). Jesse M. Honeyman Memorial State Park on the Coast has two lakes for swimming and miles of trails for exploring.

Beds for Heads (and Tails)The Ace Hotel makes you feel like you’ve died and gone to hipster heaven with its vintage rooms, claw foot tubs and sprawling lobby bookended by a great café (Stumptown) and excellent bar and restaurant (Clyde Common). Your pup will feel that way too — fussed over by the front desk staff and welcomed at no extra cost. Things are a bit more lux at the Hotel Monaco, with your dog’s name on the welcome board, a plush bed, bowls to use during your stay, treats and cleanup bags — also at no charge. For something a bit more rustic and close to the beach and forest, check out pet-friendly yurts and cabins at 21 Oregon State Parks from Fort Stevens State Park to Sunset Beach State Park and from Prineville to Emigrant Springs.

About The

Author

Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.